That didn't last long. A little more than a week after agreeing to terms with the New England Patriots, Kellen Winslow Jr. asked for his release from the team. His request was granted.

Winslow played four snaps during Sunday's loss to Baltimore and caught one pass.The tight end practiced Wednesday and was still at team facilities as recently as Thursday morning.

The Patriots signed Winslow Sept. 19 after Aaron Hernandez rolled his ankle in a Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Hernandez recently shed his the walking boot he was equipped with after suffering the injury and is believed to be ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Winslow, 29, has 438 career receptions for 4,848 yards and 23 touchdowns over seven seasons. He was released by the Seahawks prior to the start of the season after spending the last three years in Tampa Bay.

He has a long history with knee injuries and has had at least five operations following a 2005 motorcycle accident. Winslow hasn't missed a game since 2008, though he recently said that he plays every week under a great deal of pain.

"I would say will, man. Overcome," Winslow said when asked how he manages his pain. "It's my dream to play."